Bus and train routes to close

PLUMMETING passenger numbers will inevitably lead to a reduction in bus frequencies and the ending of some routes this year; however, train transport will be less severely affected, it was claimed last night.

Bus Eireann spokesman Andrew McLindon said that the company was conducting an ongoing review of services “to bring them back in line with demand”, focusing on routes with “poor levels of customer support”.

The company, which experienced a 10% drop in passenger numbers last year, is losing up to €500,000 per week. In November 2009, the Labour Court recommend that the company begin implementing a cutback scheme. However, SIPTU bus drivers overwhelmingly rejected the Labour Court recommendation.

Similarly Dublin Bus is conducting a “network review”, taking into account the recommendations of a Deloitte and Touche report completed last year which called for the simplification and amalgamation of some routes.

However, Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said the company had completed a review of services only last month, which had seen reductions on some routes, including Cork to Dublin, but an increase in others such as Waterford to Dublin. He said: “With the unfortunate reality of the economic climate resulting in less passengers we will continue to monitor the situation in order to make what reductions in costs that are necessary. But there are currently no plans to make further changes to services.”

Mr Kenny added: “Irish Rail are in a better position than bus providers in that we can reduce the size of trains, so reducing fuel and maintenance costs, while maintaining the frequency of service.”